Chapter IV.—A Farther Notice of
the Controversies raised in Egypt by Arius.

In such
occupations as these he employed himself with pleasure: but the effects
of that envious spirit which so troubled the peace of the churches of
God in Alexandria, together with the Theban and Egyptian schism,
continued to cause him no little disturbance of mind. For in fact, in
every city bishops were engaged in obstinate conflict with bishops, and
people rising against people; and almost like the fabled Symplegades,32333233 The famous rocks in the Euxine which were wont to close against
one another and crush all passing ships, and by which the Argo was said
(Od. 12. 69) to be the only ship which ever passed in
safety. coming into violent collision with
each other. Nay, some were so far transported beyond the bounds of
reason as to be guilty of reckless and outrageous conduct, and even to
insult the statues of the emperor. This state of things had little
power to excite his anger, but rather caused in him sorrow of spirit;
for he deeply deplored the folly thus exhibited by deranged
men.

3233 The famous rocks in the Euxine which were wont to close against
one another and crush all passing ships, and by which the Argo was said
(Od. 12. 69) to be the only ship which ever passed in
safety.